In Memory of

Marilyn

Woodward

Obituary for Marilyn Woodward

MARILYN KAY CATUOGNO WOODWARD
Oct. 11, 1948-July 20, 2022

Marilyn K. Catuogno Woodward was born at Good Samaritan in Dayton, Ohio, where she would reside and later meet her husband. She was called to her heavenly home on the evening of July 20, 2022 in Roanoke, Va. She was surrounded by family, a close friend, and caring staff. She is proceeded in death by her Parents, John A. and Dorothy Catuogno; Brothers, John Vincent Catuogno, Phillip Catuogno and Michael Catuogno, and her husband whom she was devoted to even after death, Douglas L. Woodward.

Marilyn was a very hospitable woman in her lifetime. Her love for her husband, family, children and animals was apparent in all the ways she demonstrated. She enjoyed cooking, crafting, and being social with close friends and family members. She was an educator, nurturer, disciplinarian, and humanitarian. She was never biased, prejudiced, nor judgmental. She practiced her Catholic religion until her final rights were read.

While Marilyn and her late Husband, Douglas, never conceived children of their own, they helped to support and raise their niece, Eve. During her niece’s attendance at William Fleming High School, Marilyn took it upon herself to become active in the theatre department, later named The Colonel’s Company. There she would thrive and continue to uphold an outstanding reputation of becoming “Props Queen”, “Stage Mom” and “Aunt Bob” to many students and staff, while also serving on the Board of Directors. She built lasting friendships and bonds with numerous people, among those closest to her include Larry VanDeventer, Liza Fritz-Deck, Peggy Owens, Brenda Lynch, Kenny Lubosch, Gatlin Blankenship, and the late Al and Fran Martin. Her legacy will continue to ring true to everyone she grew to admire and know through The Colonel’s Company. A tribute to Marilyn will later follow in September, courtesy of Larry VanDeventer and Colonel’s Company alumni, date and details TBD.

Marilyn was an avid animal lover and activist who always advocated for protecting them. However, dogs were definitely her passion. She adopted her first pets while living in Germany, where her husband, Douglas was stationed for three years. In the nearly 51 years since that time Marilyn and Doug provided a safe and loving home to lots of pets. As the years passed and her precious fur kids crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, she still continued to hold them dear in her heart. Without a doubt, Heidi, Winston, A.C., Corky, Sugar, and Rizzo were faithfully waiting for her and they are all now happily reunited! In continuing in her devotion to helping animals, her final wish is that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Angels of Assisi or your local SPCA Humane Society, in her her memory.

Marilyn was previously a socialite, who many considered a joy to be accompanied with, a cooperative and delightful neighbor, a wonderful friend and acquaintance to all who had the pleasure of spending time with Her. Many have shared the story of visiting with Marilyn, sitting on the porch, sipping wine or simply sharing a brief stay with her. She was an excellent listener, welcomed anyone that walked through her front door and usually greeted anybody with a hug, a glass of wine or homemade foods. Among those that will miss her dearly are also the wonderful folks that became like family who previously worked with her late husband from General Electric, also including Elaine Kingery, Mandy Austin, Wayne Roberts (dec.), Jill Byrd (dec.) and Sue Hensley (dec.).

The family of Marilyn Woodward would like to extend their gratitude towards the staff and medical personnel of Raleigh Court Assisted Living, Roanoke, Va; and the medical staff of Roanoke Carillion Memorial Hospital for their patience and care. The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude towards George Pauley, Mandy Austin, The Rodriguez Family (Veronica), the Family of Sonia and Katrina Amaya, friends, colleagues and neighbors for their kindness, generosity and continued support for the family during this time.

Marilyn is survived by her twin sister and caregiver, Caroyln O’Connor, younger sister Christine (Johnny) Jamison, niece Eve (Mark) Pauley-Kilpatrick, nephews Robert O’Connor, John O’Connor, niece Julie Ray, great nephew Owen Pauley, great nieces Clarissa Blankenship, Georgia and Blake Dutton, brother in-law George Pauley, sister in-law Donna Zugo-Catuogno, sister in-law Diane Ray, sister in-law Carol Woodward, many nieces and nephews that live out of state, also included are several great nieces and nephews that live out of state.

A Celebration of Marilyn's Life will be held on Saturday, August 6, at 4pm at the VFW Post 1264 (4930 Grandview Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24012), followed by a private inurnment on August 19, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.

Cremation and arrangements made on behalf of Oakey’s Funeral Services located at 318 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, Va.